Subject
Food and Nutrition
Ks4 Examination Board: AQA Syllabus Number: 4585 Course Description and Organisation This course aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of nutritional requirements and equip them with the skills to produce healthy, balanced and appetising meals for themselves and their families. Students should develop as well informed and discerning consumers with a clear understanding of human nutritional needs in a diverse society. The course is comprised of two units: Unit 1: Home Economics: Food and Nutrition (Written Paper) – 40% This unit is divided into 5 topics of study: Nutrition, diet and health throughout life Nutritional, physical, chemical and sensory properties of food in storage, preparation and cooking Techniques and skills in food storage preparation and cooking Factors affecting consumer choice Food hygiene and safety Unit 2: Food and Nutrition in Practice (Controlled assessment – 2 tasks) – 60% Task 1 – Individual investigation (45%) Task 2 – Research Task (15%) Assessment Arrangements Unit 1 is externally assessed with a written examination lasting 1hr 30mins worth 100 marks. This will cover all topics of the unit 1 syllabus. Unit 2 consists of two controlled assessment tasks. These two pieces of coursework will be completed within school and are internally assessed. Grades A* - G are available. Project/Coursework Details and Deadlines Skills in developing recipes and producing food will be developed through various projects and practical tasks. During the early part of the course, students will study food hygiene and safety and be assessed to gain a Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety. Students may select their individual investigation and research task title from a list set by the exam board. Coursework carries the highest weighting of the two units so it is important that students select wisely to ensure that they maintain their interest throughout the year. Career Opportunities The food industry is a huge and rapidly developing economic sector and, as the population increases, the need to meet the nutritional demands of all will require ever-increasing numbers of knowledgeable and skilled personnel in careers with the food service industry and others including dietician, home economist, product development, product research, environmental health. Important Information A sound knowledge and understanding of science particularly biology and chemistry are required in order to access some of the theoretical elements of this course.
Exam Board Link
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/home-economics/gcse/home-economics-food-andnutrition-4585 http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4585-W-SP.PDF